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Fuelling Member Engagement and value
Transporting NZ, Member’s Mobile App
On the hunt for a Mobile App developer when Transporting NZ approached us because they’d heard we could get the job done… They were looking for a modern, reliable, and user-centric way to better serve their nationwide member base. Their existing digital tools weren’t delivering the accessibility, engagement, or functionality their members needed, especially for drivers and operators on the road. They needed an app that could consolidate key services, provide real-time information, and enhance the overall member experience. Back9 was engaged to scope, design, and develop a purpose-built mobile app that would meet these needs and set the foundation for long-term digital growth.
Project Purpose & Vision
The Ia Ara Aoteroa Transporting NZ Members App is intended to become a central, always-on companion for the people who keep Aotearoa’s transport industry moving. The purpose is simple: empower members by giving them immediate access to the information and tools they rely on every day. But the vision extends well beyond convenience. Transporting NZ wanted to strengthen their connection to members, improve engagement, and deliver tangible value that reinforces the benefits of belonging to the organisation.
With this in mind, the app has been designed to include features that directly support real-world tasks. For example, the interactive route planner allows users to map journeys with ease, while weekly fuel price updates help drivers and operators make informed decisions before they hit the road. Sector news and curated content ensure members stay up to date with regulatory changes, industry events, and important announcements—without needing to sift through email newsletters or external websites. Member benefits, support services, and key organisational resources are also integrated into the app’s structure.
Importantly, the visual and functional design is built around accessibility and clarity. Clean layouts, obvious navigation, and intuitive interactions mean users can get in, get what they need, and get moving again. This aligns strongly with the transport industry’s culture: practical, efficient, and focused on real outcomes. Over time, the vision is for the app to become the primary digital hub for member communication, engagement, support, and industry insight—forming a foundation that can evolve through iterative improvements.
Mobile App Scope & Development Approach
Back9’s first major deliverable for the Transporting NZ Members Mobile App project was a comprehensive scoping document that clearly outlined the full project requirements. This included defining core features, technical considerations, user experience expectations, integration requirements, and a step-by-step development roadmap. The scoping process also identified key milestones, realistic timeframes, and accurate cost estimations—ensuring Transporting NZ had a complete and transparent view of the project before committing to build.
Our approach is grounded in Growth-Driven Design (GDD), which means the goal is not to create a static, one-off app, but a living platform that improves over time. This begins with launching a strong, functional first version that meets core user needs: route planning, fuel pricing, sector content, membership tools, and a streamlined interface. From there, the platform can continue to grow with new features, optimisations, and enhancements based on member feedback and changing industry demands. This approach ensures that the investment Transporting NZ is making is protected and continually delivering more value as the app matures.
The scoping phase also allowed us to define how Transporting NZ’s internal team will interact with and manage parts of the platform. By creating a clear blueprint, we ensured the app would be maintainable, scalable, and aligned with the long-term digital strategy of the organisation. The result is a development plan that minimises risk, maximises clarity, and sets Transporting NZ up with a robust, future-ready mobile solution that truly serves its members.
